I think Hoillett and Sessongon are very good players and both would improve the side. However, I have a couple of issues with signing those two; one is that neither is the much needed striker we require and the other being that neither have experience of winning anything. If we are to build a top side that is going to challenge the top teams then you need experience in the side too. With Maxi, Kuyt, Bellamy and Aurelio all likely to leave in the summer and Carragher looking more and more like a squad player, there is little expereince in the side with just Gerrard, Reina and perhaps Johnson left.
I agree with you, just to clarify I said those players are from mid-bottom table clubs, I did not mean to imply that they are mid-bottom level players... Enrique has been great for you, and as other posters mentioned United have benefited greatly from players from Wigan, Blackburn, Fulham etc. Although I do think it's more common to see a young player from a mid-bottom table club step up when playing for a Liverpool or United (Smalling, Jones), and more rare for an established player to raise their game as Valencia and Enrique have done. Some players seem to thrive on the added pressure and improve their game by training with world-class players every day, while others struggle to adapt when they are not the shining light of the team any more.
I'd be happy with 2 or 3 signings that could slot into the first 11. I really can't see us having another completely freak season like this one. Someone who can finish and a midfielder capable of producing something out of nothing.
Getting one is risky IMO so I think we need more than one striker. If we only get one then we leave ourselves exposed still. The player may not settle straight away, they may never settle meaning the transfer doesn't work out. Or they may get injured. Getting two costs more but is less risky. Depends on the owners, budget and what players are available I guess.
Who we would sell as well. If we sold Kuyt we would have Carroll and Suarez, Bellamy could play there but can't do it week in and out.
I think two of Kuyt, Bellamy, Carroll and Suarez will go. I think it will be Kuyt and Bellamy will go as they are not getting enough game time. That leaves Carroll and Suarez. They are two very different types of player and both ned a partner that compliments their style, I am not too sure about them togther. Ironically, Suarez needs someone like Kuyt or Bellamy, good movement and energy levels but with an eye for goals too. Pace would be good too. Carroll would be best alongside someone with pace such as a Owen or Defoe type.
Completely freak season? 2009/2010 - 7th Place 2010/2011 - 6th Place 2011/2012 - Currently 8th place, probably finish 7th Not saying you're not going to improve but I think it would have been more extraordinary to see you in the top 3 teams than being where you are in the league. Like alot of teams in the top half but outside the top 5 you are 2-3 players away from being able to compete for 4th. The money seems to be there to buy them, you have the pull to be able to attract certain players but don't convinvce yourself that bad luck/ media/ cheating has caused you to be where you are in the league.
I'm talking about our current record and inability to win at home considering all the chances we have created. Not the league position. Considering the players we are likely to attract...I don't expect us to get top 4 next season...though I don't expect us to lose 6/7 games or win less games at home than drawing.
I don't support a premier league team but follow it hugely. I personally think it has been a 'freak season' for Liverpool. Many opposition fans have jumped on the media bandwagon and now knock them at any given opportunity. I for one have been very impressed with 90% of the games I've watched from Liverpool this season, if only they had a poacher in front of goal I don't think they would be far off 3rd. They create shed loads of chances and play a very slick dominant style. Other than the Spurs (and Newcastle to an extent, possibly adding Wigan to that!) games I've thought they've deserved the win. No-one can deny they've had a lot of bad luck (post etc), but also lack that clinical edge in front of goal. If they spend wisely in the summer, I have a feeling they may have the last laugh. For me they have the best looking defense in the league (when all fit), if they add a top striker and a top winger, they could be a very very useful outfit. I'll probably get slated for that, but like I say I support a team well outside the top league, so feel I can offer an unbiased view.
Great post. First half of the season we all recognised that the team were playing well and that we had problems finishing. Most of us expected that that sort of luck would change. Then it didn't and now we find ourselves in bad form and questioning players/manager/Staff.
There's many a Redman who would agree with you. I don't know if the season has been 'freak' but it has certainly been frustrating!
What do people think of Fernando Llorente? Just turned 27. Goals in the last 4 seasons 18,23,19,25 (so far)
I think Newcastle are at 100% with where they are now. We're probably at about 80%. By which I mean, almost all of their players are performing week in week out. Ours have one or two good games and several bad ones. It isn't always the same players - some weeks Gerrard has a ****ter, other weeks Enrique - but I don't think there's a single game this season where we couldn't fault anyone's performance. And it's not a case of 'they're just not good enough even at their best', because I think they are. Henderson against Bolton at home, and Arsenal for the first half; Adam against United at home; Carroll against Man City last season. Downing has never really had a full solid game, but there are bits. If they could replicate those performances most weeks, as the Newcastle lot have, we could easily be in the top four (especially since Arsenal and Chelsea have had very poor seasons overall.)
honestly guys..... if you buy players who look OK but nothing really turely outstadning from midtbale or worse releagation candidates then i'm afraid you just end up making a mid table team. hoilett.... i have to say... god if thats all we're thinking we are in trouble. This is not like going and raiding oxford for houghton and aldo in 1987. (btw aldo was fairly limted in general play) its not like spotting barnes at watford who was already an england player.... it is not like snapping up parker from west ham ala spurs... We are talking here it seems about fair but uninspiring players who won't really improve us. I agree that for a large part of the season (not right now but before chirstmas certainly) if we'd had a player like RVP scoring we'd be up in 3rd. there can be no question that when your defense is stopping all comers and there are 15-20 chances made per game and either headed over, or just palin shot wide let alone the long range stuff... I have to say we paid dearly for the horrendeuos mistake that was carroll. if we'd not panicked that day or had not rebid after newcastle made our 30mil bid public and put that cash away for the summer i think we would be far better off.... BUT the risk then was suarez working, and having nobody but n'gog... which makes buying an unfit player look even worse hoenstly. Comolli needs to have his cards marked for this one... and dalglish too. i fully expect and would in fact demand a bug buy upfront this summer.
Looks a very good striker with great technical ability.I think he will definitely get snapped up by someone this summer.
